Chakmas, the major indigenous tribe in Bangladesh refer to themselves as Changmas. There are a significant concentration of people with this culture in the central and northern parts of the chittagong hill tracts, among several other indigenous groups. Estimates put their number at approximately 140,000 in 1956 and 230,000 in 1981. The 1991 census reports that the Chakma population was around 253,000. Over 90% of the school students are concentrated in the districts of Rangamati and Khagrachhari. Chakmas living in India who primarily reside in the states of Arunachal, Mizoram, and Tripura total around 100,000. People from other countries have found their way to join smaller groups, too. What makes this indigenous tribe apart is the vibrant culture and heritage.
At one time, the Chakmas likely spoke a Tibeto-Burman language, but today their language is of the Indo-European variety. Chittagonian Bengali is similar in structure to this language, but it has a distinct vocabulary. The vast majority of Chakmas are bilingual, speaking Chakma and Bengali; moreover, they are well acquainted with regional languages. Although today Chakma is usually written in Bengali letters, Chakma has its own script. The Chakma literature encompasses gengkhuli oral poetry (first performed in 1936) through literary periodicals (like Goirika) to modern poetry. During the modern era, another contemporary art style in which the Chakmas made an impact was painting.
Although it was previously reported that cultivators in the Chittagong Hills enjoyed a high standard of living, this is no longer the case. Rice, cotton, and vegetables were crops that were very important. Bamboo was used in construction. The Chakma people's lifestyle is said to be similar to that of a "bamboo civilization" because of the numerous things bamboo is used for. In the colonial period, social inequality grew, as an elite accrued greater wealth by getting a greater share of government tax revenues and by excelling in education. In the 20th century, population growth had the effect of making hill cultivation more difficult due to the shortening of fallow periods and an increase in the number of non-agricultural jobs available to Chakmas.
Many Chakmas observe Buddhist holidays and Buddha Purnima is critical. Buddha's life spanned three significant anniversaries: His birth, his enlightenment, and his death. The full moon of the month of Vaisakh is said to appear on Earth every month (usually in May). The Chakma’s dress nicely on this and other festival days and pay their respects at the temple. There, they provide flowers and light candles to the image of Buddha, and priests give sermons from a podium. To the poor, alms are given; for the priests, feasts are prepared. And the biggest cultural festival observed by this community is “Bizu”.
Chakma people's staple food is rice, complemented by maize, cabbage, onions, mustard, and other vegetables. The term vegetable is used to describe all of these types of food. Foraged plants and wild fruit could be added to the diet. Fish, poultry, and meat are eaten, but even though there are many Buddhists who are vegetarians, that practice is uncommon among the general population.
The Chakma people's bamboo shoot is a traditional dish. It is referred to as "Bajchuri." A traditional cooking ingredient “Sidol” which is a paste of shrimp and fish is used to proliferate the taste.
The Chakma people have great hospitality. Guests are provided with homemade liquors, as well as the hukka (also known as the hookah pipe. Tobacco pipes made from hukka wood are used for smoking. It is attached to a water bottle with a long flexible tube. Water is used to reduce the temperature of the smoke before it is inhaled by the smoker.
The Chakmas are an indigenous people who possess their own customs, cultural habits, literature, and practices. The “Phinon”-an ankle-length cloth around the waist and “Haadi”-cloth wrapped around the waist are the traditional dresses of chakma women.
Their handwoven Phinon and Haadi are rendered in vivid color with distinct patterns. To start, Alaam is embroidered using design patterns.
Written by Souradeep Chakma
Comments